Meowth

Meowth, known in Japanese as Nyarth, is a Pokémon species from Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise. It is the first stage of its evolved form, Persian. Meowth was first introduced in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and has since appeared in many games, including Pokémon Go and the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Meowth has several special forms. In Pokémon Sun and Moon, players met Alolan Meowth, and in Pokémon Sword and Shield, Galarian Meowth was introduced. These forms have different types and looks than the original Meowth. Sword and Shield also brought a giant version called Gigantamax Meowth.

In the Pokémon TV series, Meowth is one of the main characters. It works with Jessie and James as part of the Team Rocket group. They often try to steal Pikachu from the hero, Ash Ketchum. This Meowth can talk like a person, which is unusual for Pokémon. Meowth has been very popular, especially because of its fun role in the anime.

Conception and development

Meowth is a type of fictional creature called a Pokémon, created for the Pokémon games and shows. It was first introduced in the original games, Pokémon Red and Blue, made by Game Freak and published by Nintendo. In these games, players catch and train Pokémon to battle others. Meowth is a Normal-type Pokémon and can evolve into Persian through training. Its Japanese name, Nyarth, comes from a Japanese saying about a cat with money on its head, teaching the value of money.

Meowth has had several special forms. In Pokémon Sun and Moon, it got an Alolan form, turning into a Dark-type Pokémon. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Meowth received two new forms: a Gigantamax form that makes it grow very big, and a Galarian form, which is a Steel-type that evolves into a new Pokémon called Perrserker instead of Persian.

Voice

In the Pokémon TV series, Meowth has been voiced by different actors. In Japan, Inuko Inuyama voices Meowth. The English voice actor was originally Matthew Sussman, who thought of Meowth as a little cat acting tough, like a gangster. Later, Maddie Blaustein and then James Carter Cathcart took over the role.

Design

Meowth looks like a two-legged, sandy-colored cat with a gold coin on its head, inspired by a Japanese good luck charm. The Alolan form has bigger ears, blue-grey fur, and a calmer personality. The Galarian form has grey iron fur, a beard, and sharp teeth.

Appearances

Meowth first appeared in the games Pokémon Red and Blue, and it has been in most Pokémon games since then. In Pokémon Yellow, Meowth appears as an enemy with characters Jessie and James from Team Rocket, but you can only get it by trading. In Pokémon Sun and Moon, the regular Meowth isn’t available except through trading, but you can find its special Alolan form. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, you can find Galarian Meowth in the wild, and you can trade it for the regular Meowth. The regular Meowth can also change into a special form called Gigantamax Meowth in these games.

Meowth also appears in many other Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, and Pokémon Pinball. In the Pokémon Channel, Meowth works as a TV news reporter with Psyduck. All three types of Meowth can be found in the mobile game Pokémon Go and in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. In the Pokémon TV series, Meowth is part of Team Rocket with Jessie and James. They travel in a Meowth-shaped balloon and often try to catch Pikachu, the main character Ash Ketchum's Pokémon. Meowth can talk to humans, which helps Team Rocket with their plans. In the Galar region, Meowth can change into its Gigantamax form. Even after many tries to catch Pikachu, Team Rocket stays together and keeps following Ash and Pikachu.

Promotion and merchandise

Meowth has been turned into many toys, like figures and soft plush toys. Because it is very popular in the Pokémon world, Meowth has been part of many special events and collectibles. It was one of eleven Pokémon chosen to be Japan’s mascot for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. A Meowth balloon was shown to promote the movie Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! in Tokyo. In 2022, Meowth and other cat-like Pokémon appeared on a special electronic billboard in Japan to celebrate International Cat Day in August.

Critical reception

Meowth has been very popular with fans and critics. Many enjoy its greedy personality and unique design. Some writers think Meowth is one of the best Pokémon, especially liking how it represents parts of Japanese culture, such as collecting items and being attracted to round objects.

In the anime, Meowth is also very well liked. Its funny and clever personality has made it a favorite. Some fans enjoy having Meowth in their games because of its role in the TV show. While some think Meowth isn't special compared to newer Pokémon, many appreciate its humor and backstory, especially its ability to speak English.